Maharshtra Tourism

Places visited by tourist mostly in Maharashtra:

Pune-shanirwada khan,aga khan palace,and all wadas

Mumbai-gate way,cst,elephanta caves
Aurangabad-ellora and ajantha caves
Nagpur-wildlife sanctuaries and Buddhist architecture
Satara-hill stations
Nashik-pilgrimage and vineyards
Kolhapur-mahalaxmi temple
Etc

History of Maharashtra
Ancient and medieval Maharashtra includes satavahana
dynasty,rashtrakutta dynasty,western chalukyans,Mughals
and marathas
Maharashtra was ruled by maurya empire in the 4 th and 3rd
century
Later satavahana dynasty came under rule for 4oo yrs
Ajanta and ellora caves are excavated during this period
Later chalukyans came under rule for 6th to 8th century
After chalukyans rastrakutta came under rule for 8 th to 10th
century
From 11th to 12th century was dominated by western
chalukya empire and chola dynasty and many more

Architecture of maharshtra

Maharashtra is famous for caves and rock-cut architecture

Buddhist monks started caves in 2nd century B.C
The oldest building in the state is vakataka ruins in mansar
Lal mahal by shivaji

 Forts like torna , sinhagad , panhala etc.

Shaniwarwada in pune by peshwa
Pilgrimage areas

Art and craft

Maharashtra is famous for its art and craft
Bidri work-after bidar bidri work is famous in Aurangabad
Kolhapuri chappals and jwellery-kolhapur is well known for
kolhapuri chappals and jwellery
Himroo and mashroo are well known fabrics used for dress
materials and sarees are famous in Aurangabad
Paithani sarees are well known sarees famous in paitha
Warli paintings well known art form of tribal people in
maharshtra
Sawantawadi craft famous in konkan region

Folk dance
Dindi and kala are devotional traditional dance
Lavni is another type of folk dance of Maharashtra

Cuisine of Maharashtra
The cuisine of Maharashtra is largely influenced by the
landscape, the people and the crops grown in various
regions.
The exotic Konkani food- naturally fragrant vegetable
mixture served with local papads, or a spicy-hot fish and
meat curry with a coconut milk base.
Vidarbha's cuisine-is spicier the ingredients commonly used
are besan, or chickpea flour, and ground peanuts.

 Pune-food is delicate, sparsely designed and entirely

vegetarian. 'Puneri misal', 'thalipeeth', 'puri bhaji' and
'dalimbi usal' are not only tasty and nutritious
Kolhapur - spicy meat curries popularly called 'Matnacha
rassa', red-hot meat dish is served with robust chappatis, a
white gravy to dilute its pungency or a chilli gravy for the
bravehearts.
Aurangabad's food is much like Moghlai or Hyderabadi food,
with its fragrant pulaos and biryanis. Meat cooked in fresh
spices and herbs is a speciality, as are the delectable
sweets.
The Nagpur food is generally spicy, with a good amount of
ghee, and peanuts, dried copra and dal are often the basis of
the flavours.

About Aurangabad
Aurangabad named after Aurangzeb, the Mughal Emperor, is a
city in Maharashtra. Aurangabad means Built by the Throne.
Being a tourist hub, the city has many historical monuments of
great importance.
The monuments of Ajanta and Ellora shows the cultural heritage
and is declared as World heritage site by UNESCO.

In the year 1681, Aurangzeb became the Mughal Emperor and he

used Aurangabad as the base for his campaigns. He died in 1707
and his tomb is located at Khultabad, a small town near the city of
Aurangabad which is also a popular tourist spot of the state.

Many beautiful Mughal monuments can be seen in Aurangabad.

The most famous being the Bibi-ka-Maqbara resembling the Taj
Mahal. This monument is Aurangazeb's wifes burial chamber.
Behind this monument is a small archaeological museum also of
tourist interest. There is plentiful evidence to conceive that
Aurangabad was formulated as a merchandising hub about four
centuries ago.

It is because of the fact that the city lies on a major trade route
that connects India's sea and land ports to the Deccan area which
is known as the Silk Route.
Aurangabad which is popular for its woven Himroo shawls, Mashru
and Kimkhab weaves and is also a good shopping place for the
tourists. Women visiting the city are tempted of its fantastic
Paithani sarees and semi precious stones jewellery. Bidri, a metal
object decorated with Indian art and made of iron, copper and
other metals, is also a famous product of the city. The object is
very beautiful and can be found only in this state.

History
Aurangabad was founded in 1610 A.D. by Malik Ambar, the Prime
Minister of Murtaza Nizam Shah of Ahmadnagar, on the site of a
village called Khadki. He made it his capital and the men of his
army raised their dwellings around it. Within a decade, Khadki
grew into a populous and imposing city. Malik Ambar cherished
strong love and ability for architecture. Aurangabad was Ambar's
architectural achievement and creation. Malik Ambar died in
1626. He was succeeded by his son Fateh Khan, who changed the
name of Khadki to Fatehnagar. With the capture of Daulatabad
previously known as Devagiri by the imperial troops in 1633, the
Nizam Shahi dominions, including Fatehnagar, came under the

possession of the Moghals.

In 1653 when Prince Aurangzeb was appointed the viceroy of the
Deccan for the second time, he made Fatehnagar his capital and
renamed it Aurangabad. Aurangabad is sometimes referred to as
Khujista Bunyad by the Chroniclers of Aurangzeb's reign. Bibi Ka
Maqbara 1880s.
Bibi Ka Maqbara was built in 1660 by Aurangzeb's son, Azam
Shah, as a loving tribute to his mother, Dilras Bano Begam. In
1720, Nizam-ul-Mulk Asif Jah, a distinguished General of
Aurangzeb with the intention of founding his own dynasty in the
Deccan, arrived at Aurangabad and made it his capital. He paid a
visit to Delhi in 1723, but returned in 1724, Nizam Ali Khan Asaf
Jah II transferred his capital from Aurangabad to Hyderabad in
1763. It was ceded by Ali Khan Asaf Jah II, Nizam of Hyderabad to
Maratha Empire with Daulatabad and Sholapur after Battle of
Kharda in 1795 with paying indemnity of 30 million rupees.
However, Marathi rule was lasted only 8 years and Nizam
regained lost territories except Sholapur with help of Arthur
Wellesley, British general during Second Anglo-Maratha War.
Aurangabad was a part of Nizam's princely Hyderabad State until
its annexation into Indian Union and thereafter a part of
Hyderabad state of India until 1956. In 1956 it became a part of
newly formed bilingual Bombay state and in 1960 it became a
part of Maharashtra state.

Places to Visit: Bibi Ka Maqbara

Situated about 3 km (2 mi). from the city is Bibi Ka Maqbara, the
burial place of Aurangzeb's wife, Rabia-ud-Durrani. It is an
imitation of the Taj at Agra and due to its similar design, it is
popularly known as the Mini Taj of the Deccan. The Maqbara
stands in the middle of a spacious and formally planned Mughal
garden with axial ponds, fountains, water channels, broad

pathways and pavilions. Behind the mausoleum is located a small

archaeological museum.
Panchakki (water mill)
Is a 17th century water mill situated at a distance of 1 km from
the city. An intriguing water mill, the Panchakki is famous for its
underground water channel, which traverses more than 8 km. to
its source away in the mountains. The channel culminates in a
mesmerising 'artificial' waterfall that powers the mill. The beauty
of the mosque housed in the inner enclosure is enhanced by a
series of 'dancing' water fountains.

Gates in Aurangabad
One of the things that makes Aurangabad stand out from the
several other medieval cities in India are its 52 'gates' each of
which have a local history or had individuals linked with them. Not
many people are aware of the fact that Aurangabad is also known
as the 'City of Gates'.

Aurangabad Caves
Situated at a distance of 5 km (3 mi), nestled amidst the hills are
12 Buddhist caves probably dating back to 3 A.D. Of particular
interest are the Tantric influences evident in the iconography and
architectural designs of the caves. One is also treated to a
panoramic view of the city as well as the imposing Maqbara from
this point.

Quila-E-Ark
In 1692, Aurangzeb ordered a palace to be built and named it as
the Killa Arrak. The space enclosed by the Killa Arrak or citadel
covered nearly the whole ground between the Mecca and Delhi
gates of the city. It had four or five gateways and a nagarkhana
for the musicians. The walls were battle-mented and loop-holed
and had semi-circular towers at the angles, on which guns were
once mounted. The inner portion was occupied by recesses
similar to those in the city walls. To the right of the entrance was
a high terrace extending the whole length of the ground enclosed.

Kali Masjid, Jumma Masjid

Among the mosques, the Jumma masjid and the Kali masjid built
by Malik Ambar, and the Shah Ganj mosque are the most
conspicuous. Malik Ambar is said to have built seven mosques
which go by the general name of Kali masjid. The Kali masjid is in
Juna Bazar area and was erected in 1600 A. D. It is a six-pillared
stone-building standing on a high plinth. The Jumma masjid of
Malik Ambar is near the Killa Arrak. It has fifty polygonal pillars
arranged in five rows, and connected by a system of arches,
which divide the building into twenty-seven equal compartments,
each covered by a domical vault of simple but elegant design.
There are nine pointed arches in front. Of these, five were erected
by Malik Ambar in 1612 A. D. and the remaining four were added
by Aurangzeb.

Shahganj Masjid
Occupying the great market square of Aurangabad is the large
Shah Ganj mosque, one of the finest edifices of its class to be
found in any put of India. It was built in about 1720 A.D. Khafi
Khan, the author of Muntakhabu-1-Lubab, referring to Sayyad

Husain Khans viceroyalty of the Deccan (17141719) says "the

reservoir at Shah Ganj was begun by Sayyad Husain Ali, and
although Aazu-d Daula Iraz Khan enlarged and made higher the
buildings and mosques still Sayyad Husain Ali was the originator
of that extensive reservoir, which in summer, when water is
scarce relieves the sufferings of the inhabitants".

Chowk Masjid
In 1655 was built the Chauk Masjid by Shayista Khan, the
maternal uncle of Aurangzeb. Its front has five pointed arches,
and is two arches in depth. These are connected with one another
by eight pillars and corresponding pilasters, and support five
domes. The central dome, with a metallic spire is lofty, while the
others are concealed in the roof. The corners are decorated with
minarets.

Salim Ali Lake & Bird Sanctuary

Salim Ali Sarovar (lake) popularly known as Salim Ali Talab is
located near Delhi Gate, opposite Himayat Bagh, Aurangabad. It is
located in the northern part of the city. During the Mughal period
it was known as Khiziri Talab. It has been renamed after the great
ornithologist and naturalist Salim Ali. It also has a bird Sanctuary
and a garden maintained by the Aurangabad Municipal
Corporation.

Geography and Weather in Aurangabad

The co-ordinates for Aurangabad are N 19 53' 47" E 75 23'
54". The city is surrounded by hills on all directions.

Climate Classification: Aurangabad features a semiarid climate

under the Kppen climate classification.
Temperature: Annual temperatures in Aurangabad range from 9 to
40 C, with the most comfortable time to visit in the winter
October to February. The highest maximum temperature ever
recorded was 46 C (114 F) on 25 May 1905. The lowest
recorded temperature was 2 C (36 F) on 2 February 1911. In the
cold season, the district is sometimes affected by cold waves in
association with the eastward passage of western disturbances
across north India, when the minimum temperature may drop
down to about 2 C to 4 C (35.6 F to 39.2 F).
Rainfall: Most of the rainfall occurs in the monsoon season from
June to September. Average annual rainfall is 725 mm.

Industries in Aurangabad
There is evidence to believe that Aurangabad was developed as a
trading hub four centuries ago. Aurangabad is the one the fastest
developing cities in Asia. It tops the chart among the developing
cities. It lies on a major trade route that used to connect northwest India's sea and land ports to the Deccan region. Recently
Aurangabad was in news for placing single largest order for
Mercedes Benz cars in a single transaction in India 150
Mercedes Benz cars worth Rs 65 crore. Without a local MercedesBenz showroom and encountering an indifferent Mercedes-Benz
dealer in the nearest city, a group of successful citizens pooled
their orders and negotiated a record agreement with the firm
The city was a major silk and cotton textile production centre. A
fine blend of silk with locally grown cotton was developed as
Himroo textile. Paithani silk saris are also made in Aurangabad.
With the opening of the Hyderabad-Godavari Valley Railways in
the year 1900 several ginning factories were started. After 1960,
Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) began
acquiring land and setting up industrial estates. Aurangabad is

now classic example of efforts of state government towards

balanced industrialisation of state.
Major Industrial areas of Aurangabad are Chikhalthana MIDC,
Shendra MIDC and Waluj MIDC. A new industrial belt namely
Shendra - Bidkin Industrial Park is being developed under DMIC.
The Maharashtra Centre For Entrepreneurship Development's
main office is in Aurangabad. Many renowned Indian and MNCs
have established themselves in the Industrial Estates of
Aurangabad:

Audi
India
koda
Auto

Volkswa

gen
Wockha

rdt
Videoco

n
Siemen
s

SABMill
er India

Pepsico

FDC

Bajaj Auto
MAN Diesel
Johnson &

Siemens
Johnson
Colgate-
Sterlite
Palmolive
Optical

Technologies
Kenstar

Franke
Endress+Ha

Goodyear
user
Crompton
Lupin

Greaves
Pharmaceuticals

Forbes
Gokak Ltd
Baxter
Lombardini
India
Serco
Global Services
Mahyco
Seeds /
Monsanto
Wipro
Lighting Ltd
Nath Biogene India Ltd
Internation
al Combustion

Administration & politics

Aurangabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) is the local civil body. It
is divided into six zones. The Municipal Council was established in
1936, the Municipal Council area was about 54.5 km2. It was
elevated to the status of Municipal Corporation from 8 December

1982, and simultaneously including eighteen peripheral villages,

making total area under its jurisdiction to 138.5 km2 extended its
limits.
The city is divided in 99 electoral wards called as Prabhag, and
each ward is represented by a Corporator elected by the people
from each ward. There are two Committees, General Body and
Standing Committee headed by the Mayor and the Chairman
respectively. AMC is responsible for providing basic amenities like
drinking water, drainage facility, road, street lights, healthcare
facilities, primary schools, etc. AMC collects its revenue from the
urban taxes which are imposed on citizens. The administration is
headed by the Municipal Commissioner; an I.A.S. Officer, assisted
by the other officers of different departments.

State and central administration

Aurangabad division is one of the six administrative divisions of
Maharashtra state in India. Aurangabad divisions almost
completely coincides with the Marathwada region of
Maharashtra.
Aurangabad contributes one seat to the Lok Sabha Aurangabad
(Lok Sabha constituency). The seat is currently held by Mr.
Chandrakant Khaire, MP of the Shiv Sena party. It also holds the
seat for the Assembly Aurangabad West. Mr Rajendra Darda of
(Indian National Congress) is the MLA from Aurangabad East
constituency and holds the portfolio of Cabinet Minister for
Education, Government of Maharashtra. In latest constituency
arrangements made by, Aurangabad will conrtibute one Loksabha
seat, and three state assembly seats namely Aurangabad East,
Aurangabad West and Aurangabad Central. The latest MLAs being
Aurangabad (East) Rajendra Darda of Congress(I), Aurangabad
(Central) Pradeep Jaiswal (Independent) and Aurangabad (West)
Sanjay Shirsat of Shiv-Sena. Bombay High Court Aurangabad
Bench, ITC Welcomgroup's The Rama International, Ajanta
Ambassador & Cidco Town Center Aerial view

Judiciary
Bombay High Court Aurangabad Bench : The Aurangabad bench
of The Bombay High Court was established in 1982. Initially only a
few districts of Maharashtra were under the Aurangabad bench.
Subsequently in 1988, Ahmednagar and others districts were
attached to the bench. The jurisdiction of the Aurangabad Bench
is over Aurangabad, Ahmednagar, Dhule, Jalna, Jalgaon, Beed,
Parbhani, Latur and Osmanabad. The Aurangabad bench has a
strong Bar of more than 700 advocates. The Aurangabad bench
has now 15 judges. The present building of bench is situated in a
very huge premises. The first phase of centrally located
magnificent High Court edifice, having 6,202.18 square metres
built up area was opened in the month of June 1995.

Media & Communication

Newspapers: Lokmat, Sakaal, Punyanagri, Samana, Loksatta,
Aurangabad Times, Aurangabad Express, Shama-e-Rahbar, Asia
Express, Divya Marathi, Maharashtra Times
Radio: All India Radio, Gyaanvani, Radio Mirchi, Red FM
Internet: Internet facilities are provided by several suppliers, Now
All City is Wi-Max (WI-FI), BSNL is leading internet facilities
provider, Media:Broad

Transportation in Aurangabad : Air

Aurangabad Airport is an airport serving the city and has
connecting flights to Hyderabad, Delhi, Udaipur, Mumbai, Jaipur,
Pune, Nagpur. Recently flights were made available to the people
travelling to the Hajj pilgrimage.

Rail
Aurangabad (station code:AWB) is a station located on the
Secunderabad-Manmad section of the Nanded Division of South
Central Railway zone of the Indian Railways. Aurangabad has rail
connectivity with Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad. It is also connected
to Nanded, Parli, Nagpur, Nizamabad, Nasik, Pune, Kurnool,
Renigunta, Erode, Madurai, Bhopal, Gwalior. But there is still a
demand for direct rail connectivity to other major cities of India.
The Aurangabad Jan Shatabdi Express is the fastest train
connecting it with Mumbai.

Road
Aurangabad is well connected by roads with various major cities
of Maharashtra and other states. National Highway 211 from
Dhule to Solapur passes through the city. Aurangabad has road
connectivity to Jalna, Pune, Ahmednagar, Nagpur, Beed, Mumbai
and the route is currently being upgraded into four lane road of
National Highway standard. A new NagpurAurangabadMumbai
express highway is also being developed.

Local transport
The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) and
numerous other private bus operators provide bus service
connecting the city to all parts of the state. (MSRTC) also operates
an intra-city bus service called 'Aurangabad City Bus' which
connects different parts of the city together along with connecting
the city to its nearby suburbs.

Education in Aurangabad
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University (BAMU) is
located in Aurangabad city. Most of the colleges of the region are
affiliated to it. The University has 101 Colleges affiliated in
Aurangabad and similarly 99 Colleges in Beed, 53 & 55 Colleges
affiliated in Jalna & Osmanabad.
Aurangabad has transformed into a major education center in the
Deccan due to its rapid industrial growth and proximity to Mumbai
and Pune. It has schools run by the Aurangabad Municipal
Corporation and private schools owned and run by trusts and
individuals. Aurangabad has many state govt. schools and
colleges for higher studies such as Govt. College of pharmacy,
Aurangabad.

entertainment in Aurangabad
Aurangabad has many multiplexes and single screen theatres for
entertainment.
List of Multiplexes

PVR Talkies, Jalna Road

E-Square Talkies, Near BSNL Office, Mondha

BIG Cinema, Khadkeshwar Road
FAME Tapadia, CIDCO
Satyam Cineplexes, Prozone Mall.

List of Single Screen Theaters

Goldie, Station Road

Amba, Aurangpura
Apsara, Aurangpura
Sadia, Gulmandi
Nupur, Seven Hill, Jalna Road
Roxy, Paithan Gate
State, Shahganj

Shopping & Eating out

Prozone Mall is one of the largest and the first horizontally
designed shopping mall in India. It has over 1 million sq feet of
retail space and ushers the concept of modern retailing in
Aurangabad. It has many well known restaurants and eateries
such as KFC, Subway, Domino's Pizza, Mainland China, Kareem's
etc
Nirala Bazar is situated in the western of the city; many branded
show rooms are located here.
Connaught Place is located in eastern part in Aurangabad CIDCO
and together with Nirala Bazar forms the new and upcoming
shopping districts of the city. They also boast of many restaurants
and eateries.

Aurangpura situated in the old city and together with Gulmandi &
City Chowk forms the old shopping districts of the city. These
places are good for shopping of readymade cloths and shoes and
have few branded showrooms.
City Chowk as its name suggest, is the chowk (center) of the city,
and near the chowk is Buddi Lane known for spicy and delicious
foods. Shah Gunj has a big fruit and vegetables market in the city.
It also has a large market for agricultural equipments.

Local Art in Aurangabad

Paithani Textiles: The Paithani sarees from Paithan are considered
to be priced possession by one and all. One can get an
opportunity to witness this age old art of weaving Paithani sarees.
The yarn used is of pure silk and the zari or gold threads drawn
from pure gold.

Mashru and Himroo

Aurangabad is famous for Mashru and Himroo fabrics made of
cotton and silk with the lustre of satin. Himru is an age-old
weaving craft, and was originally known as kum khuab.
Himroo: The fabric is said to have originated in Persia, though not
conclusively proved, Himroo is associated with the times of
Mohammad Tughlaq who ruled in the 14th century. When
Mohammad Tughlaq shifted his capital from Delhi to Daulatabad
many weavers came and settled here. During the exodus the
weavers instead of returning to Delhi stayed back here. During
the reign of Malik Ambar, the city's fame attracted many people
from far and wide. During the Mughal rule under Aurangzeb's
governorship, Auarangabad the capital and the weavers became
more prosperous. The only industry in Aurangabad allured

hundreds of craftsman. Members of the royal family and an elite

few used the famous Aurangabad Himroo. Himroo weaving is very
characteristic and distinctive. Fabrics and shawls from
Aurangabad are much in demand for their unique style and
design.
Bidriware : A unique form of gold and silver inlays on copper is
preserved here from ancient Persian traditions that have been
sustained in the Deccan. This ancient art still finds expression in
the modern items like cufflinks, nameplates and more. Typical
bidri items include plates, bowls, vases, ashtrays, trinket boxes,
huqqa bases and jewellery.
Kaghzipura: A place situated near Daulatabad made first
handmade paper in India after the technology was brought here
by Mongol invaders. Interestingly this paper has been used to
print the Quran

Culture and cuisine

The culture of Aurangabad city is heavily influenced by
Hyderabad. The old city still retains the cultural flavour and
charms of Muslim culture of Hyderabad. Its influence is reflected
in the language and cuisine of the locals. Although Marathi and
Urdu are the principal languages of the city, they are spoken in
Dakhni Hyderabadi Urdu dialect.
Wali Dakhni also known as Wali Aurangabadi (16671731 or 1743)
was a classical poet of Urdu from Aurangabad. He was the first
established poet to have composed in Urdu language. Prominent
poets like Shah Hatem, Shah Abro, Mir Taqi Mir, Zauq and Sauda
were among his admirers. Other prominent poets from
Aurangabad include Siraj Aurangabadi, Azad Bilgrami and
Sikandar Ali Wajd.
Abul Ala Maududi one of the Muslim scholar ( 19031979 ) was
born in Aurangabad, India. Syed Abul A'ala Maududi was born to

Maulana Ahmad Hasan, a lawyer by profession. His father was

"descended from the Chishti line of saints. He was also the
founder of Jamaat-e-Islami, the Islamic revivalist party.

Cuisine
Aurangabadi food is much like Mughlai or Hyderabadi cuisine with
its fragrant pulao and Biryani. Meat cooked in fresh spices and
herbs is a speciality, as are the delectable sweets. The local
cuisine is a blend of Mughlai and Hyderabadi cuisine, with an
influence of the spices and herbs of the Marathwada region.
Naan Qalia is a dish that is associated with Aurangabad in India. It
is a concoction of mutton and a variety of spices. Naan is the
bread made in tandoor (Hot furnace) while Qalia is a mixture of
mutton and various spices.
The dish originated in the army camp of Muhammad bin Tughlaq
when he shifted his capital from Delhi to Daulatabad in the year
1327. Later the dish was used in the army camps of the Mughals
who had their base in and around Daulatabad and Aurangabad in
the deccan. Soldiers and camp followers settled in Aurangabad
patronised the dish and the tradition continues to this day.
Tahri or Tahari is similar to pulaoBiryani and is very popular in
Aurangabad and Marathwada. Tahri is prepared by adding the
meat to the rice, as opposed to traditional Biryani where the rice
is added to the meat.
Aurangabad / Marathwada / Dakhni cuisine is a blend of the
Puneri and the Hyderabadi cuisine (which beautifully blends the
use of typical South Indian ingredients such as curry leaves,
tamarind and coconut into their celebrated culinary practices).
Distinctively different from the Hyderabadi cuisine, the Deccani
cuisine (Marathwada, North Karnataka and Telangana) is a simple
yet sumptuously wholesome affair. The stress is on the powdered
masalas and their right proportions while cooking, unlike the
Mughlai items where emphasis is on opulent garnishing and

seasoning. While Mughlai is mostly prepared by low-simmer in

dum-style, Deccani food is not as time consuming and spicy as its
royal counterpart.
The availability of staple, easily used ingredients and some
derivatives such as the Vadis (dried rice/lentil nuggets),
vegetables of the season Vangi (brinjals) appear on most menus
while the other lentils from the region make their presence felt in
the Jhunkas and Pitlas (raw tomato curry made thick with besan).
The use of groundnut with garlic, chillies and kopra are seen in
the creation of the Chutney, 'thecha' and pastes/gravy (with the
onion as the main ingredient). The mutton and fowl are
celebrated for their tenderness and taste (locally, the Gavran
Chicken though fibrous as compared to the broiler is a hot
favourite for its robust taste). The accompanying bread is of
Jwarichi bhaakri, or Bajrichi Bhakari, Poli and variations such as
'Dhapate' are well known, the Thalipeeth, which is made from a
combination of various grains and partaken with butter.

Culture and cuisine

The culture of Aurangabad city is heavily influenced by
Hyderabad. The old city still retains the cultural flavour and
charms of Muslim culture of Hyderabad. Its influence is reflected
in the language and cuisine of the locals. Although Marathi and
Urdu are the principal languages of the city, they are spoken in
Dakhni Hyderabadi Urdu dialect.
Wali Dakhni also known as Wali Aurangabadi (16671731 or 1743)
was a classical poet of Urdu from Aurangabad. He was the first
established poet to have composed in Urdu language. Prominent
poets like Shah Hatem, Shah Abro, Mir Taqi Mir, Zauq and Sauda
were among his admirers. Other prominent poets from
Aurangabad include Siraj Aurangabadi, Azad Bilgrami and
Sikandar Ali Wajd.
Abul Ala Maududi one of the Muslim scholar ( 19031979 ) was

born in Aurangabad, India. Syed Abul A'ala Maududi was born to

Maulana Ahmad Hasan, a lawyer by profession. His father was
"descended from the Chishti line of saints. He was also the
founder of Jamaat-e-Islami, the Islamic revivalist party.

Cuisine
Aurangabadi food is much like Mughlai or Hyderabadi cuisine with
its fragrant pulao and Biryani. Meat cooked in fresh spices and
herbs is a speciality, as are the delectable sweets. The local
cuisine is a blend of Mughlai and Hyderabadi cuisine, with an
influence of the spices and herbs of the Marathwada region.
Naan Qalia is a dish that is associated with Aurangabad in India. It
is a concoction of mutton and a variety of spices. Naan is the
bread made in tandoor (Hot furnace) while Qalia is a mixture of
mutton and various spices.
The dish originated in the army camp of Muhammad bin Tughlaq
when he shifted his capital from Delhi to Daulatabad in the year
1327. Later the dish was used in the army camps of the Mughals
who had their base in and around Daulatabad and Aurangabad in
the deccan. Soldiers and camp followers settled in Aurangabad
patronised the dish and the tradition continues to this day.
Tahri or Tahari is similar to pulaoBiryani and is very popular in
Aurangabad and Marathwada. Tahri is prepared by adding the
meat to the rice, as opposed to traditional Biryani where the rice
is added to the meat.
Aurangabad / Marathwada / Dakhni cuisine is a blend of the
Puneri and the Hyderabadi cuisine (which beautifully blends the
use of typical South Indian ingredients such as curry leaves,
tamarind and coconut into their celebrated culinary practices).
Distinctively different from the Hyderabadi cuisine, the Deccani
cuisine (Marathwada, North Karnataka and Telangana) is a simple
yet sumptuously wholesome affair. The stress is on the powdered

masalas and their right proportions while cooking, unlike the

Mughlai items where emphasis is on opulent garnishing and
seasoning. While Mughlai is mostly prepared by low-simmer in
dum-style, Deccani food is not as time consuming and spicy as its
royal counterpart.
The availability of staple, easily used ingredients and some
derivatives such as the Vadis (dried rice/lentil nuggets),
vegetables of the season Vangi (brinjals) appear on most menus
while the other lentils from the region make their presence felt in
the Jhunkas and Pitlas (raw tomato curry made thick with besan).
The use of groundnut with garlic, chillies and kopra are seen in
the creation of the Chutney, 'thecha' and pastes/gravy (with the
onion as the main ingredient). The mutton and fowl are
celebrated for their tenderness and taste (locally, the Gavran
Chicken though fibrous as compared to the broiler is a hot
favourite for its robust taste). The accompanying bread is of
Jwarichi bhaakri, or Bajrichi Bhakari, Poli and variations such as
'Dhapate' are well known, the Thalipeeth, which is made from a
combination of various grains and partaken with butter.